Essential Information for Foreigners Living in Turkey

If you’re new to Turkey, navigating daily life and dealing with emergencies can feel overwhelming. Here’s a detailed guide to help you live comfortably and stay safe in Turkey.

1. Who to Contact in Case of Emergencies?

For any emergency (medical, security, fire, etc.), dial 112 Emergency Call Center in Turkey.

What is 112, and How Does It Work?
• 112 is Turkey’s national emergency hotline. It connects you to the necessary services such as medical assistance, police, or firefighters.
• The operator will ask what kind of help you need and direct your call to the appropriate team.

Languages Available

If you don’t speak Turkish, don’t worry! In major cities, operators can assist in English and sometimes other languages.https://www.112.gov.tr/

2. What to Do If You Lose Your Passport or Wallet?

Losing a passport or wallet can be stressful, especially in a foreign country. Follow these steps to resolve the situation efficiently:

Step 1: Report to the Nearest Police Station
• Visit the nearest police station and report the loss.
• The police will issue a loss report or documentation that you will need for consulate procedures.
• Use Google Maps or Yandex Maps to find the closest police station.https://www.egm.gov.tr/

Step 2: Contact Your Country’s Consulate
• Head to your consulate to apply for a temporary passport or travel document.
• Required documents:
• Police report (loss report)
• Another form of ID (such as a driver’s license or residence permit)
• 2 biometric photoshttps://kesfetsek.com/konsolosluklar-listesi-adresleri/

Step 3: Cancel Your Bank Cards
• If your wallet contained bank cards, contact your bank immediately to block the cards.
• You can call your bank’s customer service to request new cards.

Step 4: Lost Residence Permit
• If you lose your residence permit, contact the Alo 199 Immigration Contact Center. They will guide you on how to apply for a new one.https://www.goc.gov.tr/

3. Must-Have Mobile Apps (Lifesavers!)

Here are some essential mobile apps to make your daily life in Turkey easier:

For Emergencies and Assistance:
• 112 Emergency Help: Use this app to call for help in case of health issues, security concerns, or fires.

For Transportation:
• Google Maps or Yandex Maps: Find addresses and get accurate route information.
• İstanbulkart: Use this app to manage your transportation card for public transit (metro, buses, ferries) in Istanbul.https://www.istanbulkart.istanbul/
• Moovit: Check public transport schedules and the fastest routes.https://moovitapp.com/index/tr/toplu_ta%C5%9F%C4%B1ma-Istanbul-1563
• BiTaksi and Uber: Safely book taxis.https://www.bitaksi.com/tr

For Shopping and Food Delivery:
• Getir: Quickly order groceries or food delivered to your doorstephttps://getir.com/
• Yemeksepeti: Turkey’s most popular food delivery app.https://www.yemeksepeti.com/
• Trendyol Go: Shop for groceries and some food items with ease.https://trendyolgo.com/

4. Transportation from Airports (Economical Options)

When you arrive in Turkey, getting from the airport to your destination doesn’t have to be expensive. Here’s what you need to know:

Havaş Shuttle Services

Havaş buses provide affordable and comfortable transport from major airports to city centers.
• Why Choose Havaş?
• It’s significantly cheaper than taking a taxi.
• It’s convenient, with dedicated luggage compartments.
• Fixed ticket prices mean no surprises, unlike taxi meters.
• How to Use It?
• Look for the Havaş station outside the airport.
• You can purchase tickets in advance or pay onboard.
• Example: From Istanbul Airport to Taksim, a Havaş bus costs approximately 100-150 TL.https://www.hava.ist/

Havaist Buses

If Havaş isn’t available, Istanbul also offers Havaist buses as another economical and comfortable option.

5. Turkey: A Safe and Modern Country

Turkey is known for its modern infrastructure and welcoming atmosphere, making it an ideal destination for both living and visiting.
• Big cities offer advanced transportation systems, organized services, and friendly locals.
• Istanbul, in particular, stands out as one of the world’s most beautiful cities, with its rich history, cultural diversity, and breathtaking views.

With these tips, you can enjoy a safe, convenient, and enjoyable experience in Turkey. Whether you’re here to live, work, or travel, this guide will help you navigate your way around confidently.

If you have any additional questions or need further details, feel free to reach out or leave a comment on our blog!